Vintorez

Silenced sniper rifle

The Vintorez silenced
sniper rifle is commonly used by the Russian special forces

Caliber

9 x 39 mm

Weight (empty)

2.85 kg

Length

890 mm

Length (with folded stock)

-

Barrel length

210
mm

Muzzle velocity

250
m/s

Cyclic rate of fire

600 rpm

Practical rate of fire

40 - 100 rpm

Magazine capacity

10, 20 rounds

Sighting range

400 m

Range of effective fire

300 - 400 m

The VSS
Vintorez silenced sniper rifle was specially designed for the Soviet special
operations forces. It was intended to replace the previous
AK-47s and
AKM
assault rifles, fitted with silencers. The Vintorez was introduced
in the late 1980s. Currently this rifle is commonly
used by the Russian special forces.

Design of this silenced
sniper rifle is similar to that of the
Val
silenced assault rifle. It is a gas-operated selective fire weapon,
fitted with integral silencer. It has a 70% parts commonality with
the Val assault rifle.

The Vintorez is
chambered for 9 x 39 mm cartridge. This rifle uses the SP-5 and SP-6
subsonic ammunition. Primary is the SP-6 armor piercing round. It has a hardened steel penetrator.
It penetrates 6 mm steel plate at a range of 200 m and 2
mm steel plate at a range of 500 m. This round penetrates most
military body armors at ranges of 300 - 400 meters. The SP-5 is a ball round, fitted with heavy bullet.

Comparing
with the AS Val, the VSS Vintorez is fitted with a wooden stock and
a smaller capacity magazine. The wooden buttstock is fitted with a
rubber damper. The whole stock can be removed for compact storage
and transportation.

Safety
switch and charging handle are AK-style. A fire mode selector is
located inside the triggerguard, behind the trigger. It is capable
of firing single rounds and in full-auto mode.

The VSS Vintorez is fed
from detachable box-type magazines, holding 10 rounds. It is also
compatible with the 20-round Val magazines.

This rifle
is fitted with integral silencer, which is easily removed for
storage and maintenance. The whole rifle is easily disassembled into
3 main parts.

This
silenced rifle has a side rail on the receiver and is compatible
with PSO-1 scope (4x magnification), graduated for 9 x 39 mm
ammunition. It is also compatible with NSPU-3 night sight (3.5x
magnification). Effective range of the VSS at night is limited to
300 m. The Vintorez can be fitted with other scopes or night vision
sights. This silenced rifle is also fitted with backup iron sights.